Children’s milk that comes with probiotics and prebiotics has multiple benefits that support dental health and overall well-being.
KUALA LUMPUR: When you shop for milk, do you check the nutrition labels? If so, you're not alone.
Unless you’re a nutritionist or dietitian, reading nutrition labels will likely introduce you to many unfamiliar compounds.
A recent viral TikTok video featuring dentist Dr Zaidatul Hasanah has sparked conversations about the importance of reading nutrition labels when buying children’s milk, particularly the dental health risks associated with added sugars.
“As a dentist, the primary concern regarding children’s milk is the presence of added sugars. Sugar can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can eventually lead to tooth decay, as well as increasing the risk of cavities and oral infections,” she said in an interview.
“Generally, when you want to give something to your child, be it snacks, food or drinks, or in this instance – milk, you must read the labels to ensure that there aren’t any added sugars.”
She shared that added sugars come in many forms and are labelled with different names, such as glucose, sucrose, maltodextrin and corn syrup, to name a few. Apart from added sugars, she suggested that parents should also stay away from children’s milk products with added flavours.
Dr Zaidatul added that, on top of avoiding added sugars, children’s milk that comes with probiotics and prebiotics has multiple benefits that support dental health and overall well-being.
“Probiotics and prebiotics play several roles in promoting good dental health. Probiotics – which are beneficial bacteria – help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, which can reduce the presence of harmful bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease,” she said.
“Prebiotics serve as food for beneficial bacteria, helping them thrive and outnumber harmful bacteria in the mouth and gut. This improves gut health, which can contribute to better nutrient absorption, benefitting overall health.”
She also noted that it is vital to purchase children’s milk that provides essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for developing strong teeth and bones.
Children’s milk provides essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for developing strong teeth and bones.
Natural dairy filled with essential nutrients
In response to growing awareness around healthier options, Farm Fresh has launched Farm Fresh Grow Milk Powder, a growing-up milk formula that addresses these concerns by eliminating added sugars and incorporating probiotics and prebiotics.
The BTM (Baby and Toddler Milk) category is currently the third largest volume contributor, accounting for 306 million litres. This category represents about 18% of the total volume contributions, following flavoured milk (40%), white milk (25%), sweetened condensed milk/evaporated milk (12%), and drinking yoghurt/lactacyd drink (5%). [1]
The powder format still dominates the market but is projected to see a slight decline with a compound annual growth rate of -0.4% from 2021 to 2024. The volume share by stage is primarily within the toddler milk category (Stage 3), contributing 62%, followed by equal shares in Stage 2 and Stage 1 (infant/special formula). [2]
With so many brands and choices available, it’s no wonder that moms find it challenging to choose the right milk for their children.
In fact, mothers tend to do 11% more research in this category than the average Malaysian. According to a survey by Statista, which involved 400 moms, 72% of expecting moms and moms with children over one year old are more likely to check product authenticity before deciding. [3]
Farm Fresh Grow Milk Powder was introduced into the market in late 2023 in convenient travel-sized sachets and bulk packs of 500g and 800g, which was subsequently followed by an official launch with a full-on campaign starting this year.
Farm Fresh Berhad aims to produce fresh and honest growing-up milk filled with a focus on quality ingredients. The goal is to create milk that meets children's physical needs without unnecessary complications.
The new Farm Fresh Grow Milk Powder is enhanced with probiotics, made from whole milk powder and includes over 100 million CFU/100g of Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12.
It contains 0% maltodextrin, 0% vegetable oils, 0% calcium carbonate and 0% sucrose, while including natural cow’s milk, DHA, inulin, protein, taurine, natural calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, choline and 22 other important vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D3, A, B2, B3 and C.
References:
1. Compass (2021) Total Powder & Liquid. in Baby Milk & Infant Formula – Worldwide. Retrieved from Statista.
https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/food/baby-food/baby-milk-infant-formula/worldwide
2. Global Data (2021) Powder format only. in Baby Milk & Infant Formula – Worldwide. Retrieved from Statista.
https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/food/baby-food/baby-milk-infant-formula/worldwide
3. Statista (2021) in Baby Milk & Infant Formula – Worldwide. Retrieved from Statista.
https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/food/baby-food/baby-milk-infant-formula/worldwide
